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News
Heavy Rain Warning - 4 April
The heavy rain and wind is set to continue until around 6pm this evening. We'll keep you updated throughout the day with everything you need to know.
Drive with care as you move about today and be in touch if there's something our crews need to sort on 07 306 0500, non-urgent jobs can be logged via our Fix It Portal.
Events set to give the local economy a boost
The Whakatāne District is in for an action-packed couple of weekends, with more than 30 events lined up, offering something for everyone.
Early April is shaping up to be one of the busiest event periods the district has seen in years. This weekend and next, coinciding with the start of the school holidays, the Whakatāne District will host sporting events, family-friendly festivals, fishing tournaments, food experiences, and more.
Parking technology to be trialled in Whakatāne
Whakatāne District Council will soon launch a trial of an electronic parking management system to improve parking warden safety.
The technology aims to protect parking staff from confrontational situations while also improving parking efficiency for residents and visitors.
Starting 7 April, a parking enforcement vehicle, equipped with license plate recognition technology, will be trialled for a six-week period.
Support signalled for collaborative approach to future water services delivery
The Whakatāne District Council has signalled its willingness to collaborate with other councils through a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) for the future delivery of water, wastewater and stormwater services.
At a public briefing on 26 March, the Mayor and elected members reviewed two potential options: an internal business unit, or a multi-council CCO. While no formal decision was made, most elected members indicated their support for the collaborative CCO model as the most effective and sustainable solution for the district’s water services.
Whakatāne District Council urgently calls for water conservation
Whakatāne District Council has today implemented water restrictions due to critically low flows in the Whakatāne River.
What's up with water? Introducing 'Wai - It Matters'
Whakatāne District Council is lifting the lid on the full journey of water - from source to tap and back again. 'Wai - It Matters' is an education campaign designed to help the community better understand the essential work required to deliver clean drinking water, manage wastewater, and future-proof stormwater systems.
Proposed budget reduces rate increase while investing in key services
Whakatāne District Council’s draft 2025/26 Annual Plan budget will be presented to the Mayor and Councillors this week, outlining a budget that keeps costs down while still investing in the district’s future.
The Annual Plan paper also seeks the approval of Elected Members not to consult on the draft Annual Plan budget, as there are no significant changes to the forecast work programme for the coming year. Council will share information with the community to explain key decisions on the direction of the plan’s budget and activities.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy celebrated
Whakatāne District Council’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Policy was adopted at the Living Together Committee meeting on 6 March 2025.
Better Off Funding projects reach milestone dates
Whakatāne District Council is making strides in delivering community-focused projects thanks to funds from the Department of Internal Affairs Better Off Funding.
The funding allocation of $5.66 million was received in December 2022, with the total amount invested as of 31 January 2025 reaching $3.3 million. These funds have helped the Council fast-track key projects that benefit the community.
Eastern Bay tamariki break wheels day record
Wheels Day hit record numbers across the Eastern Bay with more than 1,000 tamariki wheeling to school in celebration of the annual event.
The Eastern Bay Road Safety Team visited eleven schools, three in Ōpōtiki, three in Kawerau, and five in Whakatāne, turning ordinary school days into wheel-tastic adventures. Lucky participants scored big with 45 road safety prize packs and 20 board games for choosing wheels over traditional transport.
Effective mitigation works prevent major flood damage in Matatā
Matatā township has been largely spared from significant damage, thanks to the successful implementation of debris flow mitigation measures that protected homes from flooding and debris during a recent storm.
Mayor and Councillors provide direction on Annual Plan budget
The Whakatāne District Mayor and Councillors have asked staff to prepare an Annual Plan budget that reduces the rates increase for the 2025/26 year by a percentage and applies savings to reduce Council’s operating deficit faster.
The 2025/26 Annual Plan is the second year of the Council’s approved 10-year Long Term Plan which forecasted an average 12.7% annual rates increase.
Making room to grow: Huna Road housing development one step closer
A panel of independent commissioners have shown their support to the rezoning of approximately 15 hectares of land on Huna Road Whakatāne from ’Future Urban’ to ‘Residential’ zones to enable future housing development.
This rezoning of Huna Road, including 12 Huna Road (Julians Berry Farm), 30A Huna Road, and 234A State Highway 30, is expected to provide capacity for 150 to 175 house sites, including medium-density residential areas and papakāinga housing, all connected to council infrastructure such as water supply, wastewater, and roading.
Council’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy a step closer
Feedback around the Whakatāne District Council’s draft Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy was discussed at a Council briefing today (Wednesday 19 February), including potential changes.
Community feedback invited for proposed Plan Change 4
The Whakatāne District Council is seeking community input on Plan Change 4 (PC4): Building Platform Level. The proposed change to the Whakatāne District Plan aims to better manage flood risk to buildings and simplify the consenting process.
Manager Policy, Planning and Consents Nicholas Woodley says the purpose of the current rule is to manage flood risk and help keep buildings dry; however improvements have been identified for the way in which the rule is applied.
Upcoming night works - Commerce Street
Night works will be underway along Commerce Street from 6pm this evening, finishing up at 6am Friday (weather dependant).
Celebrating artistic excellence: Molly Morpeth Canaday Award 2025
The Molly Morpeth Canaday Award 2025 has once again shone a spotlight on the incredible talent within the contemporary art scene of Aotearoa.
Drive smart near schools, choose a safe drop-off spot
As students head back to school over the next week, roads will be busier with more traffic and distractions. With more activity on the roads, the risk to both drivers and children increases, making road safety even more important.
Hinemoa Street stormwater pump station upgrade progressing well
The Whakatāne District Council is continuing its efforts to improve stormwater infrastructure in the Hinemoa Street area with a significant pump station upgrade well underway.
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